Studies of behavior modification and juvenile delinquency: A review, methodological critique, and social perspective.

Studies of the use of behavior modification techniques with delinquent youth are reviewed according to the type of behavior to be modified: educational, program, and delinquent behavior per se. While these investigations indicate an overall pattern of positive results, the definitiveness of the conclusions is restricted by methodologica l weaknesses. Issues regarding the relevance of this literature to the area of social policy decisions, and its impact on the various social systems that affect the lives of the youth who become labeled as delinquent, are discussed. An increasing concern of contemporary society is the prevention, treatment, and control of juvenile delinquency. This concern is found in the mass media, heard in political rhetoric, and demonstrated by increased federal funding for law enforcement agencies. At the same time, social scientists have been asked to provide explanations and solutions > for the problems posed by juvenile delinquency. Their work has been concerned, among other things, with the identification of demographic, physical, and personality correlates of delinquency (Glueck examination of social structure as it affects the availability of legitimate goals (Merton, 1957); suggestion- of genetic predeterminants of delinquent behavior (Court Brown, 1968); exploration of the crucial role of criminal associations (Sutherland explanation of criminality as a result of intrapsychic conflict (Freud, 1960, originally published 1923; Munroe, 19SS); and consideration of retarded cognitive development as an important variable in the prediction of delinquent activity (Kidder, 1971). 1 Preparation of this manuscript was aided by